Joseph, or Joses, the same name called Barsabas in their common tongue, and Justus (probably for his integrity) amongst the Romans, who then ruled over them. Matthias; some think the same with Nathanael. read more
CRITICAL REMARKSActs 1:15. Those days lay between the Ascension and Pentecost. For disciples, μαθητῶν, the R.V. reads brethren, ἀδελφῶν, as in Matthew 25:40; Acts 9:30; Acts 11:29; 1 Corinthians 5:11. Names = persons, as in Revelation 3:4; Revelation 11:13. Unclassical. Together, ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ, has always a local signification. (See Acts 3:1; Luke 17:35.)Acts 1:16. Scripture … which the Holy Ghost spake.—A testimony to the Inspiration of the Old Testament. Compare 2 Peter 1:21. By the mouth of... read more
Shall we turn to the book of Acts, chapter one, as we begin our study of the early church.Luke, the author of the book of Acts, a companion of Paul the apostle, who was author also of the Gospel According to Luke, wrote these two treatises to a friend, Theophilus. Theophilus is a Greek name. It's a name that has a beautiful meaning. The name means lover of God. There are some who believe that it was not a man at all, but that the gospel and the book of Acts were addressed to the lovers of God,... read more
Acts 1:1 . The former treatise have I made of all that Jesus began to do and teach. St. Luke, a companion of St. Paul, here continues his history. It comprises a display of providence and grace in the first planting of christianity, and a striking comment on the ancient prophecies concerning the early call of the gentiles to the kingdom and fellowship of Christ. The evangelist kept a journal of all his labours and travels, which he published after the two years of Paul’s imprisonment at... read more
Acts 1:23-26And they appointed two.An election sermonThis, the earliest, stands remarkably distinguished from the episcopal elections of after ages. Every one acquainted with history knows that the election of a bishop was one of the fiercest questions which shook the Church of Christ. Appointment by the people. Presbyters. Various customs. Anecdote of Ambrose of Milan. Appointment by the Emperor or Bishop of Rome. Quarrel of ages between the Emperor and the Pope. Consider--I. The object of the... read more
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Ver. 23. Joseph called Barsabas ] The centurists think that this Joseph Barsabas was the same with that Joses called Barnabas afterwards by the apostles, Acts 4:36 . This Joseph, seeing it was God’s mind not to make choice of him now to succeed Judas in the apostleship, was content with a lower condition; therefore afterwards God called him to that high and honourable office of an apostle. read more
Barsabas: Acts 15:22 Reciprocal: Leviticus 16:8 - cast lots Jonah 1:7 - and let Acts 1:26 - Matthias read more
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.And they appointed two — So far the faithful could go by consulting together, but no further. Therefore here commenced the proper use of the lot, whereby a matter of importance, which cannot be determined by any ordinary method, is committed to the Divine decision. read more
I. PREPARATORIES FOR THE PENTECOST, Acts 1:4-26. From among the events of the forty days Luke selects those only now which are preparatory to the great manifestation at the Pentecost. For, just as the section of the Gospel immediately succeeding the introduction narrates the preparation for the advent of the Son; so this section presents the preparation for that great advent of the Spirit. Hence, we have here successively, 1. The command to wait at Jerusalem for the Pentecostal baptism, 4, 5;... read more
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Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 1:15-26
Acts 1:15-Ezekiel : . Election of a Twelfth Apostle.—“ In those days” ( cf. Mark 1:9; a vague expression) Peter comes forward as leader. 1 Corinthians 15:6 * speaks of 500 brethren at once. The first to whom the risen Lord appeared was naturally their leader; though Ac. does not mention this, Lk. does ( Luke 24:24-Nahum :). We have here the first example in Ac. of the application of OT passages to Christian things. Two passages from Ps. are applied to Judas, whose place is now to be filled.... read more